Exceptional Artifact & Collectible Auction
Lot 149:
4 1/8" Agate Basin found in Lincoln County, Missouri w/ Keele COA
Early Archaic Agate Basin blade measuring approximately 4 inches, crafted from attractive Burlington chert displaying a natural mix of brown and white coloration. The surface shows a well developed ancient patination that has softened the original tones and produced a weathered, well aged appearance. Two faint horizontal brown lines run across the midsection of the blade, natural banding within the stone that the prehistoric maker intentionally incorporated into the finished form.
One particularly notable feature is the squared off base, where the knapper left a section of the original cortex intact. This is an unusual trait for an Agate Basin and was almost certainly done to preserve maximum blade length while still creating a functional hafting area. It offers a rare glimpse into the decision making of an Early Archaic craftsman working with the natural constraints of the raw material.
The workmanship is strong and consistent with classic Agate Basin manufacture. Both faces exhibit long, controlled percussion thinning flakes, producing a narrow, well balanced blade with refined edges. The flake scars are naturally softened by age, and the overall form aligns closely with documented Early Archaic examples dating to approximately 10,500 to 8,000 years ago.
Provenance is excellent. The artifact comes from the Koehler family’s four generation farm in Lincoln County, Missouri, discovered by Donald Koehler, his father, or his grandfather. The farm has produced artifacts for decades, and this piece comes directly from that long established family collection. Accompanied by a Ryan Keele Certificate of Authenticity.
This artifact is an unquestionably authentic Early Archaic Agate Basin blade, exhibiting all diagnostic traits of the type, including its long narrow blade, controlled bifacial thinning, and properly shaped hafting area. The Burlington chert shows genuine ancient patination with mineralized surface texture and naturally softened flake scars. The squared cortex base is an intentional prehistoric feature, not modern alteration.
A high quality and unquestionably authentic Agate Basin blade, and an excellent example of this Early Archaic type.Provenance: Ex Koehler Family Collection, Lincoln County, Missouri; Keele COA.
Condition: Authentic
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